Morton is charged in relation to the death of Mitchell Wayne Kemp, whose remains were found in a make-shift grave on Aug. 9, 2008, near Three Creeks Recreational Area. Kemp had not been in contact with his family since 2004, according to Missourian archives.

DNA analysis confirmed the remains were those of Kemp, who was 39 at the time of death. An autopsy conducted on Aug. 12 indicated that Kemp was shot to death, the Missourian previously reported.

Morton’s formal arraignment was waived in court Monday. His trial date has not yet been scheduled.